Rochedale State High School students will perform alongside leading musicians from Queensland Youth Orchestras (QYO) on 28 August thanks to a new Schools Outreach program sponsored by Energex.

The program aims to give musicians in the school’s Concert Band a boost through new mentoring, rehearsal and performance opportunities. After an intensive session at the school, the young Rochedale students will take part in the culmination of the program - a combined concert featuring QYO’s Wind Ensemble and the Rochedale State High School Concert Band at 3.00pm on Sunday 28 August at the historic Old Museum Concert Hall at Bowen Hills.

Ron Watson, Energex Group Manager Corporate Communications, said:

“Energex is proud to be sponsoring QYO’s new Outreach Program. This first initiative in the program provides Rochedale students musicians with access to the expertise of advanced musicians who have only recently left school themselves.”

The program began in June when 28 musicians from the Rochedale SHS Concert Band attended a concert by the QYO Wind Ensemble at the Old Museum Concert Hall.

Bryan Pearson, Musical Director of the Instrumental Program at Rochedale SHS, said:

“This gave the musicians the opportunity to experience the QYO venue, hear and observe the QYO Wind Ensemble conducted by David Law, and meet some of the mentors. It was a real eye-opener for them to hear young musicians playing at such a high level.”

The next stage involves six of QYO’s leading musicians attending two of Rochedale SHS Concert Band’s school rehearsals to play alongside, and assist the band members. Then on 28 August, the Band will rehearse and perform at the Old Museum Concert Hall in the joint concert.

Tickets for the concert with QYO Wind Ensemble and Rochedale SHS Concert Band are open to the general public and are just $6.

They will be on sale at the door of the Old Museum Concert Hall on 28 August from 2.30pm.